Felipe Massa: I am not Ferrari’s No. 2 driver
Ferrari driver, Felipe Massa has once again expressed his desire for an equal status in the team, alongside the other team driver, Fernando Alonso.
The Brazilian had a very tough season with the team last year following the German Grand Prix, held at the mid of the season. During the race, Massa received a message on his car’s radio, while he was heading for a certain race–win for the team, telling
him that his team-mate Alonso was faster than him. Following the message Massa slowed down while Alonso passed by him to grab the second victory of the season. The rest of the season was spent by Massa in much distress.
The driver kept insisting all through the 2010 season that he will not play the role of a second driver in the team while the team insisted him to strike off as many points as he could from the rivals to help Alonso win.
Leaving all the bad memories of the last year behind, as the driver now heads for the upcoming season he insisted once again that such a team behaviour will not be repeated again. He assured that he will be seen much stronger this year and the team will
also let both drivers race freely.
Furthermore, he expressed much contentment with the new Pirelli tyres. The recent test at Jerez has unfolded brilliantly for the team with its newly renamed F150th Italia. The driver was able to stamp the fastest lap-time at one of the practices and was
seen very strong the next day.
While talking to the media earlier today Massa stated, "Choosing a number one driver too soon reduces the (team's) chances to win the championship from two to one."
He blamed last year’s Bridgestone for his struggling 2010 campaign insisting that this season the same will not happen. He concluded saying, "As to my capacities, I know how to win -- races and also the championship."
The 29-year-old narrowly missed the 2008 title to Lewis Hamilton and is determined to finish the incomplete task this year.
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